Monday, June 5, 2017

Heat exhaustion vs. heatstroke: What are the warning signs and how should you react?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on
average, over 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat
each year in the United States - more than tornadoes, hurricanes,
flooding, lightning or any other weather event combined.

Heat-related
deaths and illnesses are preventable, but it’s important to identify
the warning signs and to react swiftly and appropriately when they
arise.What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke and is a direct result of the body overheating.
According
to Mayo Clinic, heat exhaustion is identifiable by heavy sweating,
rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cool, moist skin with goose bumps when
in the heat, muscle cramps, nausea and headache.
These symptoms may develop over time or come on suddenly, especially during or following periods of prolonged exercise.

In near-record heat, a
young baseball fan takes a drink of water during the fourth inning of a
Cactus League baseball game on March 2, 2016, in Goodyear, Arizona. (AP
Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

When heat exhaustion is not addressed, heatstroke can follow.
Heatstroke
is the most severe heat-related illness and, without emergency
treatment, it can lead to death. It results when your body temperature
rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
"This is pretty
complicated because a lot of things can happen. The short answer is it
certainly can be fatal...," Peter Sananman, MD, assistant professor of
emergency medicine at Penn Medicine, said.
At this temperature, your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles can also become damaged, leading to serious complications or death.
In the case of heatstroke, seeking medical attention is an absolute must, Sananman said.
In
addition to a high body temperatures, the symptoms of heatstroke
include altered mental state or behavior, nausea and vomiting, flushed
skin, rapid breathing and racing heart rate.
"Generally with heat
exhaustion, a patient is sweating a lot, whereas with heat stroke,
they’ve stopped sweating and are actually dry. It’s a good rule of thumb
but isn’t always true," he said.RELATED:Heat and medication: Pharmacists share tips to keep your prescriptions safeExperts share nutrition tips for reducing heat illness risk among youth athletes Dermatologists weigh in with tips on how to soothe a painful sunburn
If heat exhaustion is suspected, Sananman advises to remove the sufferer from heat and cool them down, if possible.
This
can be done by getting out of the sun and removing or loosening tight
clothes, misting the body with water or placing ice packs in the armpits
and groin.
Additionally, rehydration is key. Consume plenty of
water and avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or high amounts
of sugar, he said.
If you or someone else is experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical attention.

A woman suns herself in an empty park in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, June 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

How can you prevent heat-related illness?
Though it’s important to know how to identify heat exhaustion and heatstroke, both are preventable illnesses.
Have situational awareness, Sananman said.
"Recognize
your own symptoms and either go to a cool location/rest or ask for help
if you have difficulty getting around," he said.
Additionally, understand that the body does acclimatize to heat, but it will take days to do so.
"So
if you haven't been in the heat in many weeks or months, just be aware
that your body will not handle it as well as it may have in the past
when you were acclimatized," he said.
Proactively hydrating will help keep the body at a safe temperature.
"Drink
more than what you think you should," Kent Knable, EMS chief at Centre
Life Link, said. "Once you start feeling thirsty, you’re actually
dehydrated. So, you should be drinking to the point where you’re not
feeling thirsty at all."
Additionally, respond immediately if you start feeling ill.
“If
you’re starting to feel ill, or are not feeling well, get out of the
sun. Get into the shade," Knable said. "Getting the sun off of you and
some cool air blowing against you will help lower your temperature.”
For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.